Mark Hughes is set to offer Kenwyne Jones a new contract in a bid to prevent
the forward from leaving next summer on a free transfer.

Hughes, the Stoke City manager, has made keeping Jones a priority and negotiations are expected to start later this month, with the £8 million forward understood to be keen on extending his stay at the Britannia Stadium.

Stoke had considered selling the Trinidad and Tobago international in this summer's transfer window amid concerns that he would not sign a new contract but the departure of Tony Pulis has reinvigorated Jones.

The 28-year-old only made 12 starts last season under Pulis and was considering his future until the appointment of Hughes in May.

Hughes has opted for Jones in the last three games ahead of record signing Peter Crouch and the striker's future will be high on the agenda in a scheduled meeting with the Stoke board after this Sunday's trip to Arsenal.

Jones has less than 12 months remaining on his current deal but is likely to be offered a three-year extension to take him into his 30s.

It will complete a remarkable turnaround for the former Sunderland star, who was also embroiled in unsavoury headlines towards the end of last season when he reacted furiously after discovering a pig's head in his locker.

Jack Butland, the England goalkeeper, is also set to have his future discussed as Stoke prepare to loan him out to a Championship club.

Butland, 20, is keen to play regular football to enhance his development and Sheffield Wednesday have shown interest but there are doubts over how much they are prepared to put towards his wages.

Ideally, Stoke will want the £3.5m signing to receive guarantees that he plays every week and a move is likely within the next month.